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THIS WEEK
Mason United Methodist Church
A theologically progressive, open, and affirming faith community.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
December 15 – December 22, 2022
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IT'S UP!
LET'S CELEBRATE!
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PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR.... | |
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Thursday, 12/15
1:00 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Christmas Choir Rehearsal
6:30 - Living the Questions
Sunday, 12/18
10:00 - Worship Series Continues: Do Not Be Afraid
5:00pm - Christmas Organ Concert
Monday, 12/19
Church office closed
Wednesday, 12/21
12:30 - Living the Questions
5:30 - Living the Questions
Thursday, 12/22
1:00 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Living the Questions
6:30 - Christmas Choir Rehearsal
Friday, 12/23
7:00pm - Blue Christmas Service
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JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR!
Over 20 singers showed up for the choir's first meeting. We can grow that even more by inviting your friends and family for just this one evening to celebrate Christmas.
Practices are on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience—no audition required! For more information, contact Emma in the church office. Put these dates on your calendar!
Choir rehearsal dates:
Dec 15
Dec 22
Performance: Dec 24, Christmas Eve!
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HOW WE WORSHIP................ | |
BLUE CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 23rd at 7:00
Not everyone sings their “hollies and jollies” during December. In fact, for many, the holidays are especially difficult. While there is an expectation that everyone should be happy for the holidays, many struggle with depression, grief, and loneliness during this holiday season more than any other time of the year. Mason UMC acknowledges this truth by offering a service for those who struggle. We struggle in many different ways, in many different intensities. But, the fact is, many do struggle. We all have different experiences when it comes to the presence of God and for many, at this time of year, the experience is the cry: "Where are you, God?"
I invite you to come and claim the truth of your feelings and know that it's okay. It's okay to not sing "hollies and jollies." It's okay to lock yourself behind doors, waiting for the lights and tinsel to
come down. It's okay to miss holiday parties. It's okay to not buy gifts. It's all okay.
If this is you, please come and give a name to your pain. It's real. I also encourage you to invite others. You yourself may be excited about this time of year, but your friends or family members or neighbors or co-workers may not be so excited. There's a kindness in inviting someone to a Blue Christmas Service because it says to that person, "I feel your pain, and I affirm that it's real."
Come. Friday, December 23rd at 7:00. Put it on your calendar and invite someone who may be struggling. It may be the most important gift you offer this year.
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Advent Continues – "Do Not Be Afraid"
We are told that fear is a barrier to one another and to God; therefore, if we are to truly love God and others, we must be free from our fears. Tough stuff—and yet, that's what we're called to do. Let us all come together during this special season and practice love, courage, and vulnerability as modeled to us by Jesus from birth to death. Be sure to invite a friend!
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"FEAR NOT: MORE LOVE"
worship service
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"FEAR NOT: MORE LOVE"
sermon only
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WEEK of December 11, 2022
In attendance:
40 adults
3 leaders of worship
2 children
4 caretakers
TOTAL: 49
Facebook attendance is unknown.
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Your Generosity is Greatly Appreciated!
Click below to go directly to
Paypal on our website.
Paypal on Mason's Website
Earn all you can. Save all you can.
Give all you can. - John Wesley
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SHARE YOUR CRECHE!
This Advent and Christmas season, we want to display your family’s nativity scenes! We will have tables set up in the foyer so all can admire Mason’s nativity scenes. If you have a piece you would like to showcase for the weeks leading up to Christmas, please reach out to Gail Simpson.
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SERVICE IS LIVE ON FACEBOOK LIVE. JOIN US SUNDAYS AT 10:00
Be sure to make a comment so we can record your attendance. Here is a link to our Facebook page.
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HOW WE LEARN................ | |
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LIVING THE QUESTIONS -
Below is the reading for December 21st and 22nd
(click title) Practicing Resurrection
AFTERNOON EVENING
Wed from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Wed. from 5:30 – 7:00pm
Thurs. from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Thurs. from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Join us anytime in person OR by ZOOM - (Click Here for ZOOM link)
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HOW WE SERVE................ | |
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BREAKING BREAD with OASIS QUEER YOUTH PROGRAM
Let's practice what we preach. It’s time to break bread with those that have been marginalized. Let's get out of our comfort zone, and build relationships with queer teens served by OASIS. Every month on the 2nd Thursday of the month, Mason will deliver food to their monthly support group. The Christmas Choir will have finished their rehearsals, so many more of you will be able to participate.
Syra Beth Puett has graciously offered to coordinate this ministry reaching out, nurturing, and building relationships with some of our queer youth in Tacoma. We are a Reconciling congregation, which is not just a name—it means we actually need to do the work of RECONCILING (to co-exist in harmony). These are the youth that may have been told by the world that they are in some way, "less than." Let's change that message, and affirm who they are and who they are becoming.
To truly engage in ministry, relationships need to be built. We encourage you to not only prepare dinner, but dine together, getting to know one another and showing love to one another.
Contact Syra Beth if you are willing to help.
syr07@nventure.com or 253-651-7869.
The next dinner we will provide is on Thursday, January 12th at 6:00 pm.
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MAUA METHODIST HOSPITAL in Maua, Kenya
Pastor Susan is going to Kenya on a mission trip with the Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church. There is a need to raise money for the hospital in Maua Methodist Church, medical vaccinations, and building supplies. The information for the work and ministry that continues to happen thanks to teams from the Northwest is attached. Just click to open.
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A GIFT FOR YOUR GENEROSITY | | |
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Pastor Susan has been quilting gifts for those who donate to this ministry, and she is willing to create via custom order. Reach out to her with your questions and what you’d like her to quilt!
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THE HOSPITAL NEEDS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO DONATE:
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Single bed sheets – flat and fitted- white only (3’x6’). Wash if possible, then they can go as “used”.
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Scrubs for patients (S, M, L in light blue)
- Scrubs for theater staff – (M, L in dark blue or turquois–TOP PRIORITY)
- * Fetal scopes
- Light weight blankets, rubber pads for incubators mattresses
- * Stethoscopes
- Surgical Gloves (size 7-7.5)
- *Implant removal forceps
- BP machines (digital)
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How to send your support: CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO:
First United Methodist Church of Portland
BE SURE TO NOTE THE CHECK IS FOR “KENYA VIM TEAM 2023”
AND MAILED TO:
FUMCPDX. c/o Paul and Kathleen Cosgrove
6211 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA 98661
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DON'T FORGET YOUR CHANGE FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL!
The children are collecting change on Sunday mornings to buy an animal from Heifer International for Christmas. Whatever amount they collect at the end of the season will be used by the foundation to purchase a chicken, goat, cow, or other livestock animal for an impoverished family. Don't forget to look in your couch cushions for extra quarters. Every dime counts!
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H.U.G.S. Tree
This holiday season, we are accepting donations of hats, underwear, gloves, and socks in the foyer. Donations of warm clothes can quite literally save a life when temperatures drop—especially as an increasing number of our neighbors and their families face evictions, houselessness, and sweeps of encampments this winter. If you are able, please be generous in donating items to this ministry.
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BLESSING BAGS FOR UNHOUSED PEOPLE
This is an Outreach Ministry that we can all participate in.
Good news: Lynn Stetson and Gail Simpson will be sharing the coordinator role to get this ministry going. We will put out a bin or box so we can collect the following supplies for our houseless and impoverished neighbors:
socks, protein bars, tissues, hand sanitizer, bottled water, feminine hygiene products, dog food, gallon zip lock bags, deodorant, first aid supplies, hand/foot warmers, and any other essentials that people might need.
When we have our supplies, we will regularly hold an assembly line to fill the bags for all of us to take and keep in our cars. STAY TUNED!
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Congregational Care Opportunity
Dorothy is without transportation for the next few months, but she would love to continue coming to church services in person. She will need a carpool with enough trunk space to bring her walker along. If you are able to help out by offering her a ride, please call her son Bob at 360-481-4269.
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BEGINNING JANUARY -
NEW RETIREES FELLOWSHIP TIME
Early in the new year, I hope we can begin scheduling monthly gatherings of retirees for fellowship and the reinforcement of our connections in and with Mason Church. Covid has effected our fellowship greatly, and it's time to re-connect again. If you are interested in helping to put together a program that will clearly define our mission and purpose and assist in getting the fellowship into operation, please call me or email me.
Sincerely,
Doug Nelson
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UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH (former UMW)
Meeting 1/10 from 11:00 - 1:00
in the Conference Room
For 153 years, Methodist women have been working tirelessly for the women, children, and youth in the United States and around the world. To learn more about the official women’s organization of the United Methodist Church, go to uwfaith.org. Join us as we come together for our first meeting January 10th at 11am. Contact Carol Sprague at 719-406-1126 with any questions.
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Sign up to Host Sunday Fellowship
Just another way to serve God—Hospitality.
Hospitality is a recurring theme in Scripture, and we are called to gather, break bread, and build relationships. If you are willing to assist in the planning and implementation of Sunday Fellowship, contact Sandy Roszman, as she is the coordinator of this ministry.
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A Musical Update from Emma
Dear Mason Church,
I’m excited to give you an update on all the musical events we have coming up in the next several weeks. There are Mason UMC events, as well as concerts by groups we’re hosting. Mark your calendars and join us for a season of music and joy!
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Sundays of Advent – Pastor Susan and I are working on bringing you a special music series for the season of Advent, and we want Mason musicians front and center. If you have any musical talents to share with the church, please let us know; we would love to feature you! If you want to participate, please email me at admin@masonchurch.org.
Sunday 12/18 – There will be a Christmas Organ Concert on December 18th at 5:00pm, right here at Mason. Familiar favorites by Bach, Corelli, and Holst will be showcased, as well as pieces by 20th century and living composers. Come and enjoy. This program will also be broadcast live on our Facebook page.
Monday 12/19 – Tacoma Youth Chorus will be holding a holiday concert in our Sanctuary on December 19th. This group has performed in our space in past seasons, and we are happy to welcome them back.
Saturday 12/24 – On Christmas Eve, the service at 7:00pm will feature performances by our Christmas Choir. We’ve been working hard all month to prepare this program, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Sunday 12/25 – On Christmas Day, we will have a special performance by our Bell
Choir.
I’m looking forward to all these events, and I hope to see you there!
Best,
Emma
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HOW WE LEAD................
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BISHOP ELAINE'S FAREWELL ADDRESS | |
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LET'S MAKE IT EVEN EASIER
FOR YOU TO GIVE
We are now capable of accepting your offering with your debit
or credit card. Just ask Brian Nelson or Pastor Susan, or contact the church office. We want to make life easy for you, and simplifying the process of contributing to our church family is one way to do so. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
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HOW WE PRAY................ | |
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VISIT THE SICK
Betty Serjeant is in a care facility, and she would love a visit or a card from you. Let's let her know that she is missed and that she matters. The address is:
Heartwood Extended Care
1649 E. 72nd Street
Tacoma, WA 98404-5402
Please take some time and let her know you care.
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PRAYER IS IMPORTANT TO US
BECAUSE WE ARE A FAITH FAMILY.
Families share what's happening in our lives, and since we are a church family, we too can share our joys and concerns with one another.
Joys:
Megan Kilpatrick lifts up Todd as he celebrates his 38th birthday!
Syra Beth Puett rejoices that following surgery, her son Geoffrey has feeling in his left leg for the first time in two years.
Mickayla Queree shares that her sister Breanna just celebrated her 28th birthday!
Tina Queree celebrates that her family was able to join her in church this past Sunday.
Chandler also celebrates that his family came to church this past Sunday. He also wants to remind us all that Christmas is only 10 days away.
Doug Baldwin lifts up his goddaughter, who gave birth to a beautiful baby last week.
Concerns:
Syra Beth Puett lifts up baby Casey, who is dealing with a plethora of medical issues.
The Queree family asks for prayers of recovery for mother and grandmother Tina, who is not feeling well.
Gail shares that a friend of her sister just lost his wife, and is in the ICU.
Syra Beth prays for her best friend’s husband, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sandy Roszman lifts up her sister, Phyllis, who entered a hospice facility last week.
Please hold 88-year-old Jack in your prayers as he prepares to undergo a risky spinal surgery tomorrow.
We ask that you pray for Tamara, who recently has surgery for spina bifida; and Pat, who, after what was thought to be a stroke, was diagnosed with brain tumors.
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OTHER STUFF................
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PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS set aside for you.
Sunday from 11:00 - 1:00
Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00
Thursday from 4:30 - 6:30
The church office will still be operating regular hours:
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm.
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PASS THIS ON
Share What's Happening Here.
It's all Good!
Want to be a part of reviving Mason? Want to fill the sanctuary with folks who wish to live a meaningful life? There's one little thing you can do to help make that happen. It only takes seconds. Forward this newsletter to two people this week. Don't fear judgment. We're all judged no matter what we do; just do it. Just spread the Word without words.
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EARN ALL YOU CAN.
SAVE ALL YOU CAN.
GIVE ALL YOU CAN.
Please continue to make contributions
to the church as you are able.
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